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The Three Christmases: Past, Present, Future


Charles Dickens in his novel A Christmas Carol introduces a Mr. Ebenezer Scrooge as the protagonist. He is an old, mean-spirited and miserly man who has nothing but disdain for Christmas. However, this mean-spirited curmudgeon is transformed as he is visited by three spirits, the spirit of Christmas Past, the spirit of Christmas Present and the spirit of Christmas Yet to Come. 

The first spirit time travels Mr. Scrooge back to his own younger days which had made him to be who he is presently. The second spirit shows him Christmas as it will be celebrated in the present time and the sights fills his heart with a warmth and a longing for more. The third spirit comes and shows him what will happen in future as he witnesses his own funeral. Upon awaking Mr. Scrooge is delighted to be informed that it is Christmas day. As the story comes to an end, we see a new person, joy filled, full of zest and partaking to the fullest in the spirit of the Christmas season. What did Mr. Scrooge find through his visitor guides? In one word, redemption. 

As we enter this festive season in our own time, we too can think of three Christmases, the one that is past, the one that is present, and the one that is to come.

Christmas Past. More than two thousand years ago, Jesus, the Son of God was born in Bethlehem amid what might have been a busy season of travelers arriving for a census. Born and placed in a manger, it went unnoticed by the masses except for a few shepherds who were given the special message. A year or so later, wise men came to give him their tributes and with that visit the family had to flee to Egypt as the threat of murder became a reality.

Christmas Present. Today we continue the celebration of Christmas in remembrance of the past.The first Christmas night story is narrated all over again and carols sang. Bright lights and red stars deck the houses, Christmas trees are put up in colours deep red, rich green, golden yellow, and shimmering silver. Yes, we will revisit the manger story and adore the baby Jesus; the baby who is Immanuel-God with us. There is more to the manger story, the story of the wooden cross on Calvary. Ours is not the privilege to be active participants in the first Christmas story but ours is the privilege to be partakers in this story handed down faithfully through the generations of those who would accept Him as their King and Saviour.

Christmas Yet to Come. There is still a Christmas yet to come but not exactly in the way it happened before. This is the Christmas where the once helpless babe will return as the Conquering King. This is the Christmas when His Kingdom will be established and a new heaven and a new earth will be ushered in, when all things will become new. The humble stable of the first Christmas will be replaced by the gloriously splendid new city of Jerusalem, the city of God.

So what is the theme that holds these three Christmases together? REDEMPTION. The Christmas story points to the story of God's plan and purpose for the redemption of humanity. Like Mr. Scrooge who finds redemption in his Christmas visions, in these three Christmases we  too must find the story of our redemption, God redeeming us.

May we look back in gratitude at Christmas Past and give all glory and honour to God!
May we participate in Christmas Present  with the story of the birth of Jesus Christ bringing forth a fresh Christmas in our hearts and our homes! 
And May we look forward to the Christmas Yet to Come with hope and joy!


"The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face to shine on you and be gracious to you
The Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace!"
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